Overview
Have you ever seen an opossum, hurrying across the road with its eyes and coat shining in your headlights? Or hanging upside down from a tree? Or lying on the ground 'playing possum' as if dead? And did you ever wonder why the opossum acts this way?
The ancient Cherokee people wondered about the opossum, whose silly grin and hairless tail caught their imagination. In those days, the people had no written language, and they relied on stories to explain the behavior of the animals in their world. According to Cherokee legend, the Opossum owned a magnificent tail, covered in glistening fur, of which he was terribly proud. The tail was so magnificent, in fact, that the Opossum thought it his duty to make everyone else appreciate it as well.
In this seventh volume of the Grandmother Stories, Si-qua the Opossum brags constantly about his tail until his neighbors can stand it no more. Something must be done about him! The prideful Si-qua is overcome by loss and despair when his outer beauty is suddenly gone. But an unexpected ally helps Si-qua discover powerful abilities within himself that will soon win the true admiration of his friends.
Visit the authors' website at jacobandduvall.com.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Today Opossum's tail is long, hairless and prehensile. But it wasn't always like that. Long ago his tail was covered with long, thick fur. "See my tail, see it shine! See my fur, it is fine!" sings Opossum as he dances around the fire. All of the animals are tired of Opossum's boasts about his wonderful tail, but Rabbit, who wants to be the most popular dancer, is angry. Is it possible to put an end to Opossum's bragging? With the help of Cricket, who knows everything about hairdressing, Rabbit comes up with a plan to end Opossum's boasting forever. And so at the next dance, Opossum's once magnificent tail, now hairless and stringy, becomes the laughingstock of all the animals. The traditional Cherokee story ends here with Opossum lying on his back with a silly grin on his face. But this author tells what happens next. With Greensnake's help, Opossum learns that his tail can be useful, not only to grab food just out of reach, but to rescue Rabbit who is being swept away by the strong river current. A part of "The Grandmother Stories" series, this tale of Opossum's tail is a delight to read. Illustrated with detailed black-and-white drawings that have the look of woodcuts, the book is perfect for sharing with younger children and an excellent choice to enrich the appropriate curriculums of elementary and middle school students. 2005, University of New Mexico Press, Ages 5 to 10.—Anita Barnes Lowen